GEODESY AND CARTOGRAPHY

ISSN 2029-6991 print / ISSN 2029-7009 online

2012 Volume 38(2): 70–74
doi:10.3846/20296991.2012.692216

UDK 528.41

MICRO-NETWORK CREATION IN INDUSTRIAL SURVEYING

Lucie Pospíšilová1, Jiří Pospíšil2, Hana Staňková3

1
SKF Ložiska a.s., U Měšťanského pivovaru 7, 170 04 Praha 7, Czech Republic
2, 3
Institute of Geodesy and Mine Surveying, Faculty of Mining and Geology, V B-Technical University
of Ostrava, 17.listopadu 15, 708 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic
E-mails: 1lucie.pospisilova@skf.com (corresponding author); 2jiri.pospisil@vsb.cz; 3hana.stankova@vsb.cz

Received 10 April 2012; accepted 21 June 2012

Abstract. Industrial surveying is special field of work within engineering surveying. In this article we have docu-
mented some procedures and principles which are very special in industrial surveying.
A micro-network consists of net points which are set as a base for all surveying in the industry. These points create
coordinate system for all measured parts of the machine. For realization of micro-network are used well known
geodetic methods such as triangulation, trilateration, levelling or trigonometric high. As horizontal and vertical
controls do not exist in a factory hall, a surveyor has to find some different method to start working.
Keywords: micro-network, industrial surveying, mechanical engineering.

1. Introduction inspections, it is possible to prolong the lifetime of the

Geodetic measurement of machine parts and metal con-
structions in the industry is a special field of engineer-
ing surveying. According to ČSN 730401 (1990) is in-
dustrial surveying used anywhere is not possible to use
traditional mechanical tools for measurement, like dial
micrometer, gap gauge etc. A surveyor uses for his work
theodolites, levelling instruments, total stations or vari-
ous types of laser equipment. Sophisticated laser instru-
ments such as laser trucker and interferometer are not
commonly used in factories. However, theodolites, lev-
elling instruments and total stations are quite frequent.
These instruments are more suitable for measurement of
large and rugged industrial parts like crane trucks, roll-
ing mills, large steel constructions, and etc. In mechani-
cal terminology, geodetic measurement is referred to as
“optical” measurement.
A surveyor co-operates with the production, verifi-
cation of the construction and preparation of parts for
transport, setting out of the parts for the construction as-
sembly on site and verification of the assembled parts be-
fore operator acceptance. The necessity for optical meas-
urement is very often used not only for new machines
but more for machines which are just being produced
(Asociace… 2006).
The need for mechanical inspection of machine
is important not only from the “optical” measurement
point of view but from the technical state also. On the
basis of the inspection results it is possible to improve
its efficiency. Using correct procedures and well-planned
machine and its parts.
2. General principles for micro-network creation
In industrial surveying we do not use horizontal control
and vertical control because there are none in the factory
halls. Surveyor then has to find different beginning for
his work. It is necessary to create micro-network which
is based on completely distinct from common rules.
Micro-network surveying points, which can be
called net points, work as a geometrical base for optical
measurement, setting-out for the assembly work, verifi-
cation of measurement and rectification. Micro-network
is defined in local coordinate system. The dimension of
point-to-point distances is connected to the dimension
of the measured machine or device. The micro-network,
which is created inside a factory building, is complete-
ly independent of outer horizontal and vertical control.
The main emphasis is placed on geometrical determina-
tion and continuity of the machine, not on the machine
location in the factory building. The micro-network is
connected not only to the measured object but in many
cases provides the continuity of the industrial machine.
Basic micro-network shape is usually right-angled.
Net points create the main axis and the transversal
axis. The main axis X goes in the centre of the machine
and the transversal axis Y establishes the width of the
machine, see example in Fig. 1. Both axes are created by
at least two points. Then there are more points set which
perform parallel axes. The number and densification of

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Geodesy and Cartography, 2012, 38(2): 70–74
these points is not specified by anyone because it de-
pends on the length and segmentation of the measured
machine. At least three micro-network points has to be
created.
The actual shape and location of the basic net points
and additional net points (densificated points) can be
seen in Fig. 1. Shape of the micro-network which is
shown is just illustrative example connected to a special
case. This is not a general micro-network shape.
3. The methods to create the micro-network
The methods to create the micro-network are triangula-
tion, trilateration, levelling or trigonometric high. These
methods are well known but surveyor needs horizontal
and vertical control as base for the measurement. There
are no points in the factory halls. Thus, a surveyor has to
find a different method to start working.
The following situations can occur:
– Micro-network creation according to the project-
the net points are done by the project, set-out and
density established according to measurement ne-
eds.
– Micro-network creation based on existing net
points- utilization of the existing net points and
Fig. 1. Scheme of the micro-network points with dimensions
71
density established according to measurement
requirements.
– Completely new micro-network- creation of a mi-
cro-network for measurement needs.
3.1. Micro-network creation according to the project
In this case a completely new machine is assembled and
all assembly is carried out according to the project.
The whole process of the micro-network creation
begins with the building of the new factory hall or during
the construction work for the installation of the new ma-
chine part. The real dimension of every surveying point is
established by the project – horizontal coordinates X, Y.
All the dimensions which are written in the project are
in millimetres. Every coordinate of the net point is con-
nected to the Zero point- the beginning of the local co-
ordinate system. At this point X and Y coordinates are
equal to 0,0 mm.
Places for the net points are built into the floor- the
metal plates (approximately 100×100 mm) are roughly
set in position according to the project. An accurate mark
of the net point is done by the surveyor who will carry
out the rest of the optical measurement work. An accu-
rate mark is created on the metal plate like hole or dig
line (see Fig. 2). These net points are used for all of the
72 L. Pospíšilová et al. Micro-network creation in industrial surveying

setting-out due to forced centering equipment. The ma-
chine is assembled and it can occur that some net points
are not visible any more. This can reduce the number of
net points which are used for the temporary station and
the carrying out of measurement becomes complicated.
That is why we have to create additional net points that
are temporarily set on the walls or parts of the hall con-
struction.
Fig. 2. Scheme of the permanent monumentation
3.2. Micro-network creation based on the existing
net points
In this case the machine is assembled and the surveyor
just comes and verifies the positions and continuity of the
machine parts. They can use existing net points which
substitute the central machine axis or width machine
axis. These points can be used for the orientation of the
Total Station- chapter 3.1. The location of these points is
usually on the floor of the hall so the surveyor can have
problems using them after every position change of the
Total Station.
All services and verifications are done when the
machine is stopped. This means that many workers are
required with a lot of equipment and material to trans-
fer. That is why the surveyor uses the points on the floor
only for the first orientation and then creates temporary
points on the walls or construction of the hall. These
temporarily placed surveying points consists of a mag-
netic base and surveying prism. Sometimes it is possi-
ble to fix the surveying prism on the wall as a permanent
mount. The surveyor has to identify the coordinates of
these points for other orientation of the Total Station and
optical measurement.
3.3. Completely new micro-network
The last method used to create the micro-network is the
situation when there are no net points as they could have
been destroyed or inaccessible for the optical measure-
ment. This can happen when the machine is older and
nobody has any recollection of assembling it on site.
The main problem is to set-up the machine axis
which is the base for the rest of the optical measurement.
This important consideration can influence in a negative
or a positive way the total measurement and evaluation.
The surveyor who does not have any experience with this
kind of measurement cannot solve this situation. It is
necessary to know the machine- its construction and how
it operates. That is why they have to communicate with
the mechanical engineer or machine staff who know the
machine. After that the surveyor can decide which part
of the machine can represent the machine axis. The main
orientation of the Total Station is based on that machine
part and after that the surveyor can create the temporary
net points on the walls or hall construction. The coordi-
nates of these points are used for all the optical measure-
ment of the machine. Sometimes it is necessary to create
permanent net points for the next time a measurement is
carried out.
It is important to know that this kind of optical
measurement solves the geometry of the machine and
the realignment of the crossed parts. Every measured
part has to be parallel or perpendicular to the machine
axis according to the machine construction. When the
measured machine part is misaligned it is necessary to
put it in the correct position. Some parts can weigh a few
tons and the manipulation of it can be very difficult or
impossible. In that case the reduction of the position can
not be done and the machine engineer has to find anoth-
er way to align the measured and connected parts.
For instance the rolling mill- the main function is
forming of the material with the help of pressure be-
tween a couple of rolls- (see Fig. 3).
Fig. 3. Principle of the rolling mill
Fig. 4. Axes creation at the rolling mill
The entire unit of a rolling mill consists of many
rolls which transfer material toward the working rolls
(Fig. 4). The press is the biggest and the most important
part of the machine. The axes of the rolls have to be par-
allel- the material has to be guided correctly to the press,
then formed to the expected shape and then moved out.
That is why the press is meant to be the base for the
whole measurement. One of the working rolls performs
the perpendicular axis (green line). To that axis is set the
Geodesy and Cartography, 2012, 38(2): 70–74
main axis of the machine (red line). This line is not the
best for measurement so it has to be moved parallelly out
of the machine (yellow line). Then it is necessary to fix
the created machine axis with the help of temporary net
points.
4. Equipment and tools which can be used
The accuracy required in the mechanical industry is be-
low one millimetre and so the surveyor has to use appro-
priate equipment and tools. Short distance between two
pieces can be set by a slide calibre and the levelling of
the machine part can be set by a sensitive inclinometer
(0.1 mm/m or 0.01 mm/m).
The measured quantities surveyed are distance and
angle. For industrial purposes these quantities have to be
more precise than in land surveying. It was common in
the past that there were columns in the factory buildings
for forced centering. The distances were measured with a
tape or using parallactic distance measurement method
and the angles were measured with a one-second theodo-
lite (Zeiss Theo 010, Wild T 2m, etc.). The forced center-
ing then provided high precision of the created micro-
network. These methods are archaic, time consuming
and not possible to use in todayʼs working conditions.
At present the surveyor can use heavy tripods and Total
Stations which can measure distances and angles at the
same time.
The accuracy of industrial Total Stations is 0.3 mgon
in angle measurement and 1 mm + 1 ppm in distance
measurement. These Total Stations are made by Leica
(TDA5005 and TS30) or by Trimble (S6, S8). The sur-
veyor has to use appropriate tools like reflective tapes or
reflectors. Passive reflection can not be used in industry
under any circumstances.
Standard reflective prisms have a centering accuracy
of 2 mm which is absolutely unsatisfactory for industrial
measurement. In that case it is necessary to use special
reflective prisms such as Leica GPH1P Professional with
a aim accuracy 0.3 mm or a one-inch ball prism. The
surveying points on the floor are created with the help of
a special tool. The shorter the distance between the floor
and the centre of the prism, the higher accuracy of the
centering. That is why the prism is fixed to the special
triangular base with levelling screws and two perpendic-
ular spirit levels. The net point is then projected on the
floor.
Example:
If the electronic distance meter precision is
±0.2 mm/100m, then on a distance of 40 m, there is a
distance deviation of ±0.08 mm. Angle measurement ac-
curacy is done by the Total Station producer. If the preci-
sion is α = 0.15 mgon then the angular deviation Op is
set with the formula
Op = tg α · s. (1)
When the distance is 40 m, the total angular devia-
tion of the point is 0.09 mm. The total position deviation
of the net point is 0.12 mm. Used formulas and symbols
follows Czech standards (Terminologický... 2005–2011).
73
Thanks to mathematical and physical reductions
and other functions, the process of optical measurement
can be faster and the surveyor can get the values almost
immediately. New Total Stations can use the method of
the temporary station, transformations and the method
of least squares to minimise deviations. These functions
make the surveyorʼs work faster and easier and do not
prolong the time spent on site.
5. Methods and accuracy of the micro-network
measurement
The first step for micro-network creation or densifica-
tion is going through the project documentation. The ba-
sic surveying points are set out but the surveyor can add
some more to the project. During all assembling work,
the rule is that visibility of at least two points has to be
kept for orientation. This condition is very important be-
cause many of the projected points can be hidden below
the construction of the machine.
Net points are usually set-out of the survey station
with the polar method. The monumentating of the sur-
veying points they are measured again and then should
be micro-network equilibrated by the method of least
squares. The surveying points have the coordinates
which are used for the rest of the measurement. The po-
sitioning measurement of every machine part is done
with the help of temporary station of the Total Station
and the level deviations are set with the trigonometrical
measurement of heights.
Standard position deviation of the surveying point
is σXYP with the polar method according (Michalčák
et al. 1985):
⎡ s⎛s ⎞⎤
σ2XYP = σ2XY ⋅ ⎢1 + ⎜ − cos χ ⎟ ⎥ +
⎣ d⎝d ⎠⎦
1 ⎛ 2 σχ 2 ⎞ ,
2
⎜ σs + 2 ⋅ s ⎟ (2)
2 ⎜⎝ ρ ⎟
⎠
where: σXY – standard position deviation of a point in the
micro-network (providing σX1 ≅ σX2 ≅ σY1 ≅ σY2 ≅ σXY);
s – setting out of the distance; σs – standard deviation of
the set-out distance; d – distance to the point of orienta-
tion; χ – set-out angle; σχ – standard deviation of the set-
out angle; ρ – radian value in gon scale (63662 mgon).
Formulating from the 2 the standard position devi-
ation of the surveying point in the micro-network then:
d2
σ2XY = ⋅
d 2 + s 2 − d ⋅ s ⋅ cos χ
⎛ σ2 σ2χ ⋅ s 2 ⎞
⎜ σ2XYP − s − ⎟. (3)
⎜ 2 2ρ2 ⎟
⎝ ⎠
Inserting in the formula 3 values for Total Station
Leica TDA5005 and measured values for the most unfa-
vourable configuration: σs = 0.3 mm, σχ = 0.3 mgon, s =
50 m, χ = 200 gon, d = 60 m. These values were gained
74 L. Pospíšilová et al. Micro-network creation in industrial surveying
from the calculation of this error. Then the standard po-
sition deviation of the surveying point when the neces-
sary precision σXYP = 1.0 mm, is the standard position
deviation of the point: σXY = 0.6 mm.
This value would be acceptable in the case that the
measurement is done from the surveying points. Using
the method of the temporary station, the final value of
the station is set by the transformation of the measured
orientations with the obtained deviations. These devia-
tions should pass the criterion for σXY.
The whole measurement can be influenced by other
factors:
– Errors of the measurement instrument are in in-
dustrial Total Stations very small and it is possible
to reduce it with the help of the standard measu-
rement procedures (measurement in both positi-
on of the instrument which is sometimes in the
industry problem), using a three axial compensa-
tor on, calculation or instrument calibration.
– Errors in aiming and reading. These days the re-
ading of the measured values is completely com-
puterized and the aiming is computerized also.
Function of the Automatic Target Recognition-
ATR can find the target and aim automtically at
the same place.
– Influence of the environment includes refraction
which is insignificant to a distance of 50 m. One
of the most influencial parts are heating sources
which are very common in industrial surveying.
– Error of the instrument centering is eliminated
thanks to the use of the temporary station. The
error of the target centering is eliminated with the
special tools for the fixing of the target.
6. Conclusion
This article introduces the procedures, mounting of net
points and the precision of the micro-network creation
in industrial surveying. The accuracy of these measure-
ments and setting of the mechanical parts to the correct
position is not specified by any law or legislation. The as-
sembly work depends on the producerʼs tolerances and
the userʼs requirements. But our experience is based on
the procedures mentioned and the precision and accu-
racy of the measurement equipment used.
It is necessary to mention again that every machine
and machine part is different and that micro-network
creation is based on these differences. That is why the
work has to be carried out with the co-operation of the
machine engineer or machine staff and the experience
of the surveyor. If these conditions are not fulfilled the
surveyor can make the situation of the machine worse or
even cause an accident.
References
Asociace technických diagnostiků České republiky o.s., Stanovy
ATD ČR o.s., 2006.
ČSN 730401. Názvosloví v geodézii a kartografii, Úřad pro
technickou normalizaci, metrologii a státní zkušebnictví.
Praha, 1990.
Michalčák, O.; Vosika, O.; Veselý, M.; Novák, Z. 1985. Inžinier-
ska geodézia I. Nakladatelstvo technickej a ekonomickekej
literatúry Bratislava. 408 s.
Terminologický slovník zeměměřictví a katastru nemovitostí.
VÚGTK Praha-Zdiby, 2005–2011. Available from Internet:
http://www.vugtk.cz/slovnik/index.php
Lucie POSPÍŠILOVÁ. Project manager for optical measu-
rement, SKF Lozicka a.s., U Mestanskeho pivovaru 7, 170
04 Praha 7, Czech Republic, Ph +420 737 208 265, e-mail:
lucie.pospisilova@skf.com.
She holds an Engineer degree (from 2007) from VSB-
Technical University of Ostrava, in engineering geodesy. Cur-
rently works for SKF Loziska a.s. Czech Republic as a project
manager for optical measurement- industrial surveying within
Europe. And more, pursuiting postgraduate studies towards
Ph.D. degree in geodesy at VSB-Technical University of Ostra-
va. Author and co-author of scientific publications, magazine
articles and technical reports. Research interests: basics of geo-
desy, metrology, instruments of geodesy.
JIŘÍ POSPÍŠIL. Lecturer, Institute of Geodesy and Mine Sur-
veying, Faculty of Mining and Geology, VSB-Technical Univer-
sity of Ostrava, 17.listopadu 15, 708 00 0strava, Czech Republic.
Ph +420 597 323 208, e-mail: jiri.pospisil@vsb.cz.
He holds an Engineer degree (from 2005) from VSB-
Technical University of Ostrava, in engineering geodesy. Cur-
rantly pursuiting postgraduate studines towards Ph.D. degree
in geodesy at VSB-Technical University of Ostrava. Author and
co-author of scientific publications, magazine articles and tech-
nical reports. Research interests: mining survey, basics of geo-
desy, cadastre of real estate, metrology, digital terrain model,
instruments of geodesy.
Hana STAŇKOVÁ. Lecturer, Institute of Geodesy and Mine
Surveying, Faculty of Mining and Geology, VSB-Technical Uni-
versity of Ostrava, 17.listopadu 15, 708 00 0strava, Czech Repu-
blic. Ph +420 597 321 234, e-mail: hana.stankova@vsb.cz.
She holds an Ph.D. degree (from 2006) VUT Brno, in ge-
odesy. Author and co-author of many scientific publications
and magazine articles in mazines from database Scopus and
Web of Knowledge. Participated in a few international confe-
rences. Research interests: cadastre of real estate, geodetic ba-
ses, technology GNSS, mining survey, cartography, adjustment
calculation.